Words to use instead of 'very'

After hours in the scorching desert, my throat was ___________, and I longed for a sip of water.

• gaunt

• squalid

• ravenous

• parched

The abandoned building stood in a/an _______________ state, with broken windows and graffiti covering the walls.

• squalid

• immaculate

• feeble

• sagacious

The chef presented a/an ___________ dish, a masterpiece of flavours and culinary artistry.

• ravenous

• exquisite

• vivacious

• atrocious

The conditions in the makeshift shelter were __________________, lacking even the most basic amenities.

• hideous

• atrocious

• squalid

• unyielding

Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained ______________ in her pursuit of success.

• unyielding

• sagacious

• jubilant

• parched

The long months of starvation left him ____________, with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes.

• ravenous

• colossal

• immaculate

• gaunt

Answer explanation

'gaunt' is the most appropriate word here because the clause 'with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes' elaborates on the word to describe the appearance.

The old mansion had a ____________ appearance, with crumbling walls and a neglected garden.

• parched

• squalid

• hideous

• gaunt

The crowd erupted in _______________ cheers as their team scored the winning goal.

• vivacious

• jubilant

• sagacious

• ravenous

After the strenuous hike, we were _____________ and eagerly devoured our well-deserved meal.

• ravenous

• vivacious

• atrocious

• sagacious

The construction project involved the assembly of a/an _______________ structure that dominated the skyline.

• exquisite

• jubilant

• gaunt

• colossal

Answer explanation

'colossal' is the most appropriate word here because the clause 'that dominated the skyline' emphasises the size of the building.